JR's Blog - Latest Commentshttp://jraymondsblog.disqus.com/enThu, 06 Jul 2017 19:32:38 -0000Re: Charitybuzz.com, Caveat Emptor!https://www.raymonds.com/blogs/jr/2009/12/14/charitybuzz-com-caveat-emptor/#comment-3403801273<p>They are awful. The treatment I have received I am not surprised by reading all these reviews. I hope karma catches up with their lying ways. I agreed to a dreamed lunch with celebrity only then told they offered to someone else behind my back because they "interpreted" my words that I declined. I was appalled. It took a whole week of countless emails and phone calls to even receive a response after they went around my back. Awful awful organisation.</p>MarianaThu, 06 Jul 2017 19:32:38 -0000Re: Charitybuzz.com, Caveat Emptor!https://www.raymonds.com/blogs/jr/2009/12/14/charitybuzz-com-caveat-emptor/#comment-2321827693<p>Same thing happened to us Jessica Pena. We paid a crazy amount for our daughter to go to a meet and greet and it turned out to be a nightmare. We were sent instructions with exact details. We showed up early, picked up our tickets (the seats were terrible). We waited for the individual we were told to meet to get into the meet and greet for over an hour. We missed the opening act, the group had to go on stage in 10 minutes. Our contact took lousy blurry pics on her cell phone since we missed the professional photographer. The auction stated she could bring something small to have autographed but we were not given an opportunity to have the two items we came with autographed (they handed her an autographed program and when I said she was to bring a small item and have it autographed the late individual tried to tell us the program they gave her was better). When I sent them an email they pretended to care. They did call but after we spoke I never heard from them again, even though I was told they would be in touch with me in a week. Summed up I would never bid on anything else on Charitybuzz. I would not recommend Charitybuzz to anyone else. We spent thousands to make someone else's dreams come true only to have our daughters dreams shattered. This is not the first time I've heard of winners getting terrible seats and terrible treatment. If ticketmaster, or a ticket broker is selling meet and greets you are better off going to ticketmaster or a ticketbroker than CharityBuzz, You will know your seat location before the event and you will get the same 5 second meet and greet but you will have 5,000.00 to 10,000 extra dollars in your pocket when it's all said and done.</p>Jane DoerThu, 22 Oct 2015 18:59:32 -0000Re: Charitybuzz.com, Caveat Emptor!https://www.raymonds.com/blogs/jr/2009/12/14/charitybuzz-com-caveat-emptor/#comment-2203763391<p>I've won several bids at Charitybuzz that went from bad to worse. I had a good experience with the first two auctions. Then I found out that I could've gotten the third one for free. Fortunately, the assistant gave me a free tickets, which was gracious of her. I felt gypped anyway. The final auction was the worst. It was to meet a minor celebrity for lunch. I kept calling Charitybuzz and was told several times that someone would call me. Six months later, nada. It's been a year and I haven't heard from anyone. I admit it's not a ton of money, but paying for something that's less than a fart in the wind makes it ultra-expensive. I've contacted the charity that the donation was for and was promised several times that they'd issue me a letter stating a tax deduction instead. Again, pfffttt. I will never make another bid for a celebrity or any person because the meet and greet that you'll pay thousands for could be a 10 second photo op. I will continue to bid for merchandise, but, again, be careful. A lot of their stuff have significant markups of unheard of brand names.</p>jessica penaWed, 19 Aug 2015 17:07:26 -0000Re: The Golden Age of Antibiotics May Be at an Endhttps://www.raymonds.com/blogs/jr/2014/05/27/the-golden-age-of-antibiotics-may-be-at-an-end/#comment-2046456523<p>Interesting. I did hobby darkroom work a lifetime ago. It was probably the early 80s (If not the late 70s) when I said goodbye to most of those chemicals. However, it was a period of history -- as might be for yourself -- when things were a lot less, shall we say, protective of the human interaction. Gloves? What are those? Hard to believe my short term exposure would have led to something but then again who knows. It is a crossover point on the subject but how to prove it one way or another I would have no idea. I know I did not have any kind of reaction to the darkroom chemicals but that might have been more timing and concentration than a real hard line of evidence against your theory.</p>jraymondsTue, 26 May 2015 14:56:27 -0000Re: The Golden Age of Antibiotics May Be at an Endhttps://www.raymonds.com/blogs/jr/2014/05/27/the-golden-age-of-antibiotics-may-be-at-an-end/#comment-2046075290<p>Hi JR, Came across your blog while looking for info on allergies and whether quinine is used in textile/dye production (I have a rash that I think is related to my uniform). Thought my experiences may be of interest.</p><p>Some twenty years ago I was heading overseas and was prescribed quinine related medication for malaria prevention. The result was a MASSIVE allergic reaction - not quite anaphylactic but near to it. Massive welts, shedding skin and swollen limbs - and this persisted for at least six months. A reaction of this severity only happens after the body has been exposed previously and has produced antibodies to the allergen - but to my knowledge I had never been exposed to quinine before.</p><p>A year or so later I had a mouthful of gin and tonic. Within minutes I could feel the itching spreading over my body, thankfully the symptoms were relatively short lived with just a few welts to show for it.</p><p>This got me thinking. At the time I was a professional film producer but had spent my early years in the photography trade where I spent many hours in darkrooms and being exposed to photographic developers. Now, one of the common ingredients in photographic developer is hydroquinone. After years of exposure to the fumes and liquids I had become hypersensitive to the stuff. While their names sound the same I don't think quinine and hydroquinone are chemically related, but they DO cause similar changes to skin pigmentation. I also think quinine can be present in color developers and some black and white developers. I mentioned this to my doctor and he agreed the two skin reactions could be related.</p><p>So, have you ever worked with darkroom chemicals or done color processing? - It is worth a thought.</p>k_teeTue, 26 May 2015 11:52:06 -0000Re: The Golden Age of Antibiotics May Be at an Endhttps://www.raymonds.com/blogs/jr/2014/05/27/the-golden-age-of-antibiotics-may-be-at-an-end/#comment-2020199966<p>Thanks for reaching out and sorry to hear you have the same problem. After contacting you at the email you gave I edited the original post so spam scrapers don't catch your address.</p>jraymondsTue, 12 May 2015 09:08:04 -0000Re: The Golden Age of Antibiotics May Be at an Endhttps://www.raymonds.com/blogs/jr/2014/05/27/the-golden-age-of-antibiotics-may-be-at-an-end/#comment-2019886783<p>Hey how can i contact u? The same thing that happened to u with quinine is happening to me, can u send me an email to [edited out] so i can contact u? Thank u</p>Janek LewyTue, 12 May 2015 04:39:11 -0000Re: If you use Carbonite you might just need a CrashPlanhttp://www.raymonds.com/blogs/jr/2012/12/19/if-you-use-carbonite-you-might-just-need-a-crashplan/#comment-1872323886<p>I have used Carbonite successfully on a PC, but it has failed me terribly on two occasions restoring files on a Mac (running on Mountain Lion). While their tech support appeared to be very helpful, they could not help me to ensure that the files were put back into the right places.</p><p>Because the restore function froze several times and needed to be restarted, I ended up with lots of empty folders and plenty of duplicate files. When I asked why this happened, they blamed the Apple operating system and left e with sorting out the empty folders and duplicates by hand. I doubt that all files were indeed restored, even though Carbonite tech support ensured me that they were.</p><p>I finally let my Carbonite subscription expire, even though they keep reminding me that I ought to activate it again. I deleted it as per their instructions on their website - but the reminder messages still pop up. There seems to be a file (or two) embedded in the root directory. Any attempt to contact Carbonite via customer support email were unsuccessful.</p><p>I used to recommend Carbonite, but can no longer do so, due to my recent experiences. As a matter of fact, I would strongly advise Apple users NOT to install Carbonite in the first place.</p>Apple UserTue, 24 Feb 2015 04:30:25 -0000Re: Creating a DOS Boot CD for a PChttp://www.raymonds.com/blogs/jr/2010/01/05/creating-a-dos-boot-cd-for-a-pc/#comment-1511805838<p>ok, I asked the WD support and they gave me the files. This is very untypically for wd as they normally dont give firmware files to end users. If anyone needs these files I can upload them just email me: qqiphone@me.com</p>MarcoWed, 30 Jul 2014 07:51:15 -0000Re: Creating a DOS Boot CD for a PChttp://www.raymonds.com/blogs/jr/2010/01/05/creating-a-dos-boot-cd-for-a-pc/#comment-1508478862<p>Marco -- that was a long time ago. I am not even running any WD drives anymore never mind have access to the files.</p>jraymondsMon, 28 Jul 2014 13:42:49 -0000Re: Creating a DOS Boot CD for a PChttp://www.raymonds.com/blogs/jr/2010/01/05/creating-a-dos-boot-cd-for-a-pc/#comment-1508465985<p>Hi, can you please upload the two files or send them to me as email? I left my real address</p>MarcoMon, 28 Jul 2014 13:34:09 -0000Re: Charitybuzz.com, Caveat Emptor!https://www.raymonds.com/blogs/jr/2009/12/14/charitybuzz-com-caveat-emptor/#comment-1182827570<p>CharityBuzz… BUYER TOTALLY BEWARE!! I sure wish I came across this site before I "bought" a similar experience in 2013 (take note readers!). I was strung along in a very similar manner. CharityBuzz sold an experience for a walk-on role; fine print said 1 of 2 dates would be given.. They first were very unresponsive, then, once I started reminding them of the fine print terms, they gave a date and changed it twice.. Using the excuse that production dates and times are always subject to change. I had to constantly email, call, and threaten legal action.. They eventually came through, but, in the end, the experience I received was NOTHING like what they advertised for purchase. I am a decent and honest consumer, they took advantage me. I tried to be patient and understanding with them.. I get that tv production is a hard thing to pin down.. BUT bottom line is they (CHARITYBUZZ) should never SELL something that they can't come through on. I honestly don't know how CharityBuzz manages to stay above the law. Would love to know if the "testimonials" on their website are actually real. Maybe someone reading this would be willing to share their positive experience with CB. Additionally, pay attention to their current auctions… they never have just 1 bidder.. it looks like they might have an internal team of bidders working to inflate the costs. At least EBay has a better recourse system! I sure wish CharityBuzz lived by their own motto - DO GOOD LIVE WELL.</p>Honest ConsumerTue, 31 Dec 2013 19:16:33 -0000Re: The Magic of Little Dix Bay and Virgin Gorda, BVIhttp://www.raymonds.com/blogs/jr/2010/09/09/the-magic-of-little-dix-bay-an-virgin-gorda-bvi/#comment-1086856756<p>Neat pictures you have there mate! My family and I had the chance to snorkel at Little Dix Bay as a part of our St. Thomas boat rental excursion. It was fun, but once you've snorkeled the Dead Chest Island, even snorkeling around Spring Bay and the Baths become average. There were a lot of creatures though, unfortunately, we haven't seen the spotted eagle ray during our time there. We did see some turtles and a cuda, which was cool -- turtles are always cool.</p>Greg ChantFri, 18 Oct 2013 05:13:11 -0000Re: I Bet Yo Mamma Can&#8217;t Change the Worldhttp://www.raymonds.com/blogs/jr/2011/11/06/i-bet-yo-mamma-cant-change-the-world/#comment-1079920366<p>No value in naming the organization. Reviewing an institution was not the goal of writing this piece. We parted going on three years ago and I hope over time with new blood eventually in their leadership pool they can start to rise to a level of performance to be proud of. As for what I learned specifically -- good question, I believe I have become a much better judge of team members and bringing together a number of startup businesses over the past several years there have not been many surprises. With only a couple of exceptions the people who became very successful and those that burnt out with limitations were known very early on. It may seem tangential but I really like Nicholas Taleb's comment on business and hobbies. In business you need to work below your capability and in hobbies you need to work above your capability. Sounds strange at first but the idea is that when you make promises in business you need to be able to over deliver and on the hobby side why do it if you are not learning? For me I think I have been able to balance the business/hobby scale when at work as I know very well when I can contribute and add value and when I am way over my head and need to listen and learn instead. With this process at hand the conversations I can contribute grow every year thus even over the short period of two years how I would approach something today would be different and hopefully better.</p>jraymondsSat, 12 Oct 2013 08:53:48 -0000Re: I Bet Yo Mamma Can&#8217;t Change the Worldhttp://www.raymonds.com/blogs/jr/2011/11/06/i-bet-yo-mamma-cant-change-the-world/#comment-1079488404<p>Yes I have watched the show Survivor. What was the organization involved with? What way do you feel you have you grown?</p>John LoweyFri, 11 Oct 2013 19:09:39 -0000Re: I Bet Yo Mamma Can&#8217;t Change the Worldhttp://www.raymonds.com/blogs/jr/2011/11/06/i-bet-yo-mamma-cant-change-the-world/#comment-1079401382<p>Interesting perspective. Do you watch the show Survivor? Sometimes the tribe votes out the weakest link to keep the tribe stronger. Sometimes they vote out the strongest player to eliminate a threat. Sometimes they vote out the person that is just being a pain in the rear. Depending on who you talk to I would be placed into probably at least one of those categories but whatever the reason you could say I was voted out. Looking back it was a bad match for a peer group and I have been very happy working with people that truly eat the impossible for breakfast. I have grown an amazing amount over the past two or three years and could probably do a much better job effecting change if I ever found myself in the same position.</p>jraymondsFri, 11 Oct 2013 17:24:23 -0000Re: I Bet Yo Mamma Can&#8217;t Change the Worldhttp://www.raymonds.com/blogs/jr/2011/11/06/i-bet-yo-mamma-cant-change-the-world/#comment-1079295048<p>It sounds like you gave up on the people.</p>John LoweyFri, 11 Oct 2013 15:54:04 -0000Re: Are the oceans &#8220;too big to fail&#8221;?http://www.raymonds.com/blogs/jr/2013/03/18/are-the-oceans-too-big-to-fail/#comment-1072393699<p>I believe Sylvia uses this term to mean the oceans, with their massive perceived size, look like they are too big for us to do anything to them that would permanently change them for the worse. David's graphic gives you some idea of the volumetric perspective and shows you that they really are not that big at all in comparison to the entire earth. In summary, both David and Sylvia are saying that the human effect on the oceans is much greater than anyone perceives. In other words, no, they are NOT too big to fail.</p>jraymondsSun, 06 Oct 2013 08:08:16 -0000Re: Are the oceans &#8220;too big to fail&#8221;?http://www.raymonds.com/blogs/jr/2013/03/18/are-the-oceans-too-big-to-fail/#comment-1071961133<p>I googled oceans too big to fail because I couldn't guess what whether it meant.</p><p>a) impossible for them to fail,<br>b) too important to be allowed to fail</p><p>I think we got familiar with the expression from its application financial institutions.<br>Those institutions were considered so big, and therefore important, that their failure would take down the whole economy.</p>RonHSat, 05 Oct 2013 18:50:22 -0000Re: Quininehttp://www.raymonds.com/blogs/jr/quinine/#comment-961177859<p>AVOID TONIC WATER AND LIME</p><p>USE FENISTIL (ANTIHISTAMINIC) to fight the symthoms of the allergy!</p>YE.ZSat, 13 Jul 2013 16:59:58 -0000Re: Charitybuzz.com, Caveat Emptor!https://www.raymonds.com/blogs/jr/2009/12/14/charitybuzz-com-caveat-emptor/#comment-871439435<p>I also had a negative experience with charity buzz, bidding for private yoga sessions with someone who never honored the offer and changed the terms so it was impossible to use. What a shame and a scam, stay away!!!</p>DonnapSun, 21 Apr 2013 16:16:44 -0000Re: Quininehttp://www.raymonds.com/blogs/jr/quinine/#comment-733309077<p>This was as clear as you could possibly get. For the most part, unless it sneaks in somehow, it is easy (thank God) to avoid quinine. Thus, I have been careful to avoid obvious sources and asked if I ever ordered a cocktail that I was not 100% sure of. Since making this discovery I have NEVER had a reoccurrence and have NEVER had the need for any additional or ongoing medication. Please check back in if you manage to find the same! Good luck!</p>jraymondsTue, 11 Dec 2012 13:11:52 -0000Re: Quininehttp://www.raymonds.com/blogs/jr/quinine/#comment-733303537<p>JR - I have also suffered through eerily similar situations and have just come to realize tonic water may be the cause. Just curious whether you have had any recurrence and whether you're off all medicines?</p>AITue, 11 Dec 2012 13:04:14 -0000Re: Is Comcast Actively Trying to Get People to Hate Them?https://www.raymonds.com/blogs/jr/2012/08/09/is-comcast-actively-trying-to-get-people-to-hate-them/#comment-690466032<p>Looks like they won the contest!!! <a href="http://lifehacker.com/5954084/worst-company-for-customer-service-comcast" rel="nofollow noopener" title="http://lifehacker.com/5954084/worst-company-for-customer-service-comcast">http://lifehacker.com/59540...</a></p>jraymondsTue, 23 Oct 2012 17:44:55 -0000Re: Charitybuzz.com, Caveat Emptor!https://www.raymonds.com/blogs/jr/2009/12/14/charitybuzz-com-caveat-emptor/#comment-655171827<p>Sorry to hear of your woes. Certainly brings back bad memories! I have only used Charitybuzz once since my posted experience. The only reason I did so was because I actually knew the donor thus I also knew I did not need to work through another possible nightmare if I won. I felt bad using their service but supporting someone I knew trumped that feeling for this case.</p><p>For others to reference I see the reference to the Rip Off Report (which I have never heard of until just now) here: <a href="http://www.ripoffreport.com/Search/charitybuzz.aspx" rel="nofollow noopener" title="http://www.ripoffreport.com/Search/charitybuzz.aspx">http://www.ripoffreport.com...</a></p>jraymondsTue, 18 Sep 2012 22:39:37 -0000